If it’s a matter of life or death, perhaps travel is only a luxury. We can all likely go on living without it. But then again, maybe not.
As we’ve all seen through Covid, the last years have had more than their share of challenges. In addition, I’ve had some personal losses during that time and since. But I realized only after I found myself again—my old, optimistic, adventuresome, curious self—that travel for me is so much more than luxury. I suspect for many of you as well.
Because at the risk of sounding dramatic, I literally found my old self in Paris last month. I tagged onto two weeks of language school in Nice a short stop in Paris on my way home. Only four days which happened to be rainy. Plus before I left I’d sprained my ankle making the walking required in old European cities somewhat painful and slow. Yet none of that mattered. Instantly I felt at home there, having chosen a hotel well positioned for all the wonderful things I wanted to cram into my short stay.
To be specific, in four days I wandered La Samaritaine Department Store at the end of the Pont Neuf, a masterful recreation on the Seine. I went to a four-hour opera at the Opera Garnier of Phantom-of-the-Opera fame, and loved it! Plus I chatted with the Parisians next to me in French of course! They asked where I learned to speak French and going all the way back to the beginning I answered, ‘Wisconsin.’ They didn’t seem to know what that meant. Monday was my haut couture day, visiting the exhibit and lunching at Dior. Heaven. I met a friend of a friend for a drink that day in a brand-new-to-me part of Paris, which was like another charming village within the city. On my last day, I never stopped—morning at the Musee D’Orsay for the John Singer Sargeant exhibit, private tour of Notre Dame, risen from the ashes and so impressive, and a Sound-and-Light show at Des Invalides.
Despite the rain, everything was perfect, including the bar at my hotel with live jazz where I’d have a nightcap if I wasn’t too tired. Everyone spoke English there though….
So all this travel by myself for the first time since I lost my husband, which had drawn quite a few comments and warnings from my friends, was a recovery of things important. I found myself again, happy and fulfilled.
Travel can be a luxury, but when life has thrown you off your game, sometimes a necessity.
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It’s weird. We often don’t think about the vibes we throw off but I have recent proof that your energy does impact those around you and you yourself. Since my rediscovery of the Audrey who had always been so upbeat and adventuresome, and had started to radiate those positive vibes again, I’ve had many examples of things seeming to just go my way. From events to people to invitations to just peace and happiness.
Me of all people, who has written about the electromagnetic basis of the universe and everything in it, needed to be reminded of the power of those ‘vibes.’ Luckily, I was. And it’s great to be back!